Who We Are

The Department of Food Science in an academic department within the College of Agriculture at Purdue University located on the main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. We are committed to impacting the world food system and quality of life by educating and training undergraduate and graduate students for careers in industry, government, and academia. We are comprised of 20 faculty, 20 staff, ~ 180 undergraduate bachelor's degree seeking students, and ~80 graduate students seeking a master's or Ph.D. degree.

Our Vision

To be the global leader in transformation of lives through the science of food.

Our Mission

We engage in discovery-driven activities, leading to innovative learning and outreach that:

- Enhance health, safety, quality, and sustainability of foods;

- Prepare the next generation of leaders in food science; and

- Address stakeholder needs.

Our Values

We are the Department of Food Science at Purdue University - a community committed to excellence in all aspects of the land-grant mission; teaching, outreach and discovery. We seek to embody our mission, vision and values statements, not in words but through our actions. As such, this values statement communicates who we are, and strive to be.

As a team, we collaborate with respect but challenge each other to defend what we believe; understanding that healthy debate leads to stronger results. With challenge comes innovation in discovery, critical thinking in learning and programs with lasting impact. Through this process we produce leaders in thought and action. Recognizing that the root and very strength of our discipline is diversity, we affirm this by thinking globally and embracing differences. Our commitment to respect for all allows freedom of thought, integrity of science and diversity of people. With passion for improving the lives and livelihood of our stakeholders, we resolve that these values will be used to guide our mission and inspire our actions.

Our faculty, staff, and students are located on Purdue University’s main campus in the Philip E. Nelson Hall of Food Science (campus map abbreviation NLSN), 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. This building provides excellent research laboratories, as well as specialized facilities such as the sensory evaluation laboratory, pilot scale-manufacturing plant, student product development and innovation laboratory, and enology library for us to engage with the food and beverage industry and government partners.